The Faint, with Pujol + Trust
Thurs., Dec. 6, The Trocadero Theatre Overall vibe: Eclectic. All the people who liked The Faint in high school, having gone in a million different directions since then. Oh, and if you didn’t know, hot girls love these guys. Most memorable moment: The Faint covering Sonic Youth’s classic “Mote” without a guitar. Seems impossible, doesn’t it? Scene stealer: Trust. There have been several clues over the years that My Bloody Valentine’s drone and Depeche Mode’s moody synthesizers could meet and fall in love, but these Canadians actually pull it off. (Anthony Trivelli)

1812 Productions’ Dave & Aaron Go to Work Thurs., Dec. 6, Plays & Players Theatre Overall vibe: This fresh new work, which pays homage to the vaudeville-inspired silent films of the early 20th century, had been marinating in the adrenalin of opening night. On the second night of the run, Dave Jadico and Aaron Cromie delivered delicious, thoroughly cooked slapstick back to the stage from whence it came. Most memorable moment: Jadico and Cromie cooking breakfast together, elbow to elbow, in their microscopic matchbox kitchen. Dave tosses an egg to Aaron, who then cracks it over the frying pan. Dave lights the burner. The audience can smell the egg as it fries. Hey, you’ll never get a whiff of what Fatty Arbuckle’s got simmering on the stove in his 1918 film, The Cook. Scene stealer: Silence. This is a play about two men living on top of each other in 2012 who can’t seem to hang on to jobs or mend the holes in their socks. If words were added into this catastrophic mix, it would swiftly become a Sam Shepard drama. The silence distances us from the terrifying reality of unemployment, and flips it on its head. We’re laughing at Dave and Aaron, but the silence allows us to laugh at ourselves. (Jessica Foley)

10th Annual Latkepalooza Sun., Dec. 9, Gershman Y Overall vibe: Every Jewish mother’s dream: Copious calories, traditional music and lots of people who, no matter their background, are there for one purpose: To eat well. Most memorable moment: When, as I took my first bite of excellent sweet potato latke from Audrey Claire, the Eastern European music hit a crescendo. I’d always wanted a soundtrack to my eating! Scene stealer: The sheer range of latke styles. Who knew? (Brian Freedman)

ON THE MENU

The Trestle Inn 39 N. 11th St. thetrestleinn.com The latest dish: Its new winter menu, courtesy of Chef Alex Bokulich. Description: Bokulich’s offerings are heavy on the rich flavors so welcome in the cold months, livened up with modern ingredients. His beef and beer chili features organic grass-fed beef straight from Esposito’s, complemented with a nice spice kick and a generous dollop of sour cream. The truffle deviled eggs are made with whole truffle pieces, carrying an earthiness that makes it a heavier mouthful than expected. And the sausage in their new house-made sausage sandwich, served in a soft roll and topped with cilantro and crema, is so rich with flavor that it steamrolls the crisp herb. Yum or yuck: Yum, all night long—especially alongside the Trestle Inn’s true star: the Classic Whiskey Sour, the silky smooth cocktail that tastes like a less-sweet version of Lemonheads candy. It’s an excellent complement to the hearty fare of the new menu. (Jared Axelrod)